There's a relaxed, unforced, melancholy sweetness and swing to this modest iteration of the "Big Chill/Return of the Secaucus 7" formula, a pleasing directorial debut for screenwriter Jamie Linden (We Are Marshall).

Parents need to know that 10 Years is a high school reunion-set dramedy that's full of nostalgia for the way it was and what might have been. Teens may find it interesting to see adult characters looking back on their teen exploits, though the movie doesn't really make high school -- at least the high school the characters (including teen faves Channing Tatum and Justin Long) went to -- sound all that fun. Expect some swearing (including "s--t" and "f--k"), plenty of drinking (sometimes to excess), references to getting high, and some conversations about bullying (though it's played for laughs). There's also a fair bit of sex talk, though not much action beyond kissing/making out.

Families can talk about the appeal of movies about reunions. What makes them rich for material? Does 10 Years add anything new to the conversation?

Parents, talk to your kids about drinking (and drug use) in high school. It's a common plotline in high school-themed movies -- does it really happen that often? What are the real-life consequences?

Who do you think 10 Years is intended to appeal to? Does it succeed?

The good stuff

Messages: Good friendships and relationships can weather any crisis, as long as everyone is honest and supportive of one another and respectful of one another's personal journeys.

Role models: For the most part, the characters are well-intentioned (if flawed), though one married man flirts with a woman who's not his wife and is called on it by a friend.

What to watch for

Violence: One character discusses past bullying and apologizes to some of his victims. But while he's busy making things right, he insults them again.

Sex: Lots of talk, but little action beyond a few kissing and make-out sessions.

Movies.com, the ultimate source for everything movies, is your destination for new movie trailers, reviews, photos, times, tickets + more! Stay in the know with the latest movie news and cast interviews at Movies.com.